Okay, no big deal. I hope I didn't offend you, either.
But you know, some people look upon the collecting of cars itself as "much ado about nothing." "Why would you make such a fuss over a piece of metal?" I have been asked. For these folks a car is just a means of getting from point A to point B, and they can't understand anybody else having any real affection or interest in them other than that. I think you and I would both agree that this is a narrow view of things.
I understood when I wrote that e-mail that the stamp on the back of the panel indicated a date of manufacture. My question was: why stamp it at all? Why would anyone ever need to know when and where this particular piece of trim was made?
After thinking about it, I think the reason is probably this: if there was a defect in it, they would need to know where it was made (by which vendor) so they could correct the problem. Although this is just a guess. It stills doesn't answer the question of why a date would be necessary.
What I was hoping was that my message would bring a retired autoworker out of the woodwork-- someone like a guy named Carmine F, who used to be on this list (Carmine, are you still out there?)-- and he would be able to explain something about the Lyons plant, what was made there, if it still exists, etc. For me, the process of manufacture of these old cars is just as interesting as the cars themselves. I don't see this as "nothing," I see it as history.
Also, I'd still like to know if there's a way of fixing up the 2 or 3 holes where the clips have torn thru the cardboard. The rest of the panel is perfect except for these clips.
But again, no harm meant.
Mark
On Wednesday, October 22, 2003, at 10:46 AM, Ronald Stephenson wrote:
Mark: I was just trying to make the point of 'much ado about nothing'. The fact that chrysler contracted with the same vendors for all the various models is no real surprise at all. the fact that is was dated l969 doesn't have any relevance, other than a date of manufacture. The l00 point restorers look at this stuff as significant, and work their butts off to find dated belts, hoses, clamps, etc. Most cars that are driven have stuff like this replaced, either with factory spares or aftermarket items. Even trim on cars dies after a few years and gets replaced, sometimes without regard to originality. I have restored a lot of cars, and usually I try for the most original LOOKING material I can find, and stand by to watch the material go on to as good or better standard than original. Production cars just don't get the time and attention to detail that some of my cars like astons and jags received. These Imperials were bargains in their time. I have driven many models just scarcely two years old at the time, and was impressed withthe fit and finish and quality of materials compared to fords, chevrolets and plymouths. My 77 Jaguar Coupe reminds me so much of my 52 Imperial. These cars are 25 years apart, yet the fit and finish and treatment of materials and choices and methods had not really changed all that much. There is just so much satisfaction just sitting in these cars and smelling the leather, the wool carpets the fuzzy headliners, the wood used, I could go on and on. You can bet I will follow my practice of replacing stuff with newer and superior materials, and try very hard to retain the 'look' and feel of the originals. I would like tohave my real teeth back and most of my hair, but it is not possible without cloning. Hey, have a great day, and I apologize if I have offended you in any way. Sincerely, ron
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